Thomas J Ball

Title: Thomas J. Ball: Innovator in Source Code Quality Improvement

Introduction

Thomas J. Ball, based in Mercer Island, WA, is a notable inventor with an impressive portfolio of 23 patents. He has contributed significantly to the field of software engineering, particularly in prioritizing code quality and enhancing the efficiency of program analysis through his innovative approaches.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, one exemplary method focuses on **prioritizing quality improvements to source code**. This method involves receiving source code composed of various code segments and providing a desired level of quality. It includes analyzing the source code to assign complexity measures to each segment and determining a level of code coverage based on these measures. This innovative system is designed to enhance code quality by ensuring that more complex modules receive higher test coverage.

Another significant patent relates to **processing predicates including pointer information**. This system is designed for analyzing programs by influencing how predicates are interpreted. It involves converting location expressions within these predicates into logical formulae that a theorem prover module can understand. Such conversions assist in associating location expressions with specific location objects, thus facilitating a more efficient analysis of program behavior.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Thomas J. Ball has held pivotal roles in renowned organizations, such as Lucent Technologies and Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC. His work in these companies has significantly advanced the understanding and improvement of software quality metrics and program analysis techniques, providing foundational insights into the coding process.

Collaborations

During his career, Thomas has collaborated with fellow innovators such as Peter Andrew Mataga and Kenneth G. Rehor. These partnerships have fostered a rich environment for brainstorming and developing groundbreaking ideas that have transformed practices in software engineering.

Conclusion

Thomas J. Ball is a prominent figure in the realm of software development and patent innovation. His contributions, particularly in the areas of code quality and program analysis, have established him as a thought leader in the tech industry. With a strong portfolio of patents, Thomas continues to influence the future of software engineering through his innovative approaches and collaborative spirit.